Keeping records

[w33blegurl]

OK...so this is absolutely definitely something I am going to probably try and do for the veg plot this year. I think its going to be the paper/ring binder approach as the computer is never on/occupied/not in the same room as the TV when I want to actually make some notes plus I can't take it out into the garden!

Anyway, what have you found to be useful info to record? So far i have first and last frosts, plant variety, date sown, when first sprouts appeared, date transplanted, first and last harvest and "other" notes. Do you think this is overkill or have I missed out something vital? Am just trying to actually learn year on year instead of my usual making the same mistake as last year cos I'd forgotten!!

Cheers in advance all!

[Bigmallly]

The most important column " Lessons to be learned" or "What Not to do"......What to not do.......Not what to do.........

[Hazel at the Hill]

That sounds pretty comprehensive - I think that the only thing I would add is 'where/which bed is it planted in'.

[HotStuff]

You've probably already got it but didn't mention it, I always record where the seeds came from, be it supplier, self-saved or swapped with another Grape.

[ginger ninger]

What kind of growing medium you used, weather it was any good or not, would you use it again...those's kind of things, weather you bought the seed or it was given to you/swapped, if it was old seed and you'd just give it a go, germination rate.

[coreopsis]

I suppose it depends on the size of your growing area-if it's small then it's more manageable and easier to remember here was what.Mine one is just the back garden so I'd rather spend some time playing outside than filling up the computer files.BTW-I think that ordinary notebook is better than computer-just in case it packs up/is occupied/or you need to check something quickly in the middle of the garden job and don't want to get stuck with this time eater for a couple of hours

[gorgeousgrower]

The weather each week - I've found it both useful and interesting to see differences year to year.

And I've kept a note of what I've ordered from seed/plant companies so I don't get too carried away and forget what I've already ordered.

[Paulottie]

I'd go with obvious ones: Variety, supplier, datesown, date setout, date harvested.(maybe % and time of germination if your scientific)

Then perhaps I'd be interested by no of plants per row/sq ft, yield, quality and flavour.(maybe pests)

In honesty to me Average yield is the most interesting thing.(families vote on flavour counts highest though)

[w33blegurl]

Thanks for the info, think I'll be adding a few more things to the list! Might need a bigger binder.....

[bramble]

Most important info would have to be, when the seeds were sown and f t were too early or too late.

[solway cropper]

I've found that date sown and date of first picking are useful in reminding me not to sow anything too soon as you rarely get much of an advantage unless you can give proper protection.

[Pies]

I'm noting

Were sown
When sown
What seed
What soil prep was used,ie manured cardboard cover etc
I will note what problems i get and how I overcame them
I will note if the harvest was good in quality/quantity

[greengas]

I write down-

Date sown
Seed supplier
Where sown
Planted out
Also make notes on weather and tasks I have carried out on plot, pretty basic really don't want to get to technical. This is my first year keeping a journal so hopefully it will work for me.